{{this|the playable worgen and the Gilneas faction|general history of the race|worgen}}

{{this|the playable worgen and the Gilneas faction|general history of the race|worgen}}

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{{Quotation|Blizzard intro|Behind the formidable Greymane Wall, a terrible curse has spread throughout the isolated human nation of Gilneas, transforming many of its stalwart citizens into nightmarish beasts known as worgen. The origins of this curse have been fiercely debated, but only recently has the startling truth come to light.}}

The name '''worgen''' inspires fear to the hearts and minds of the Horde and to some lesser extent, members of the Alliance.

The name '''worgen''' inspires fear to the hearts and minds of the Horde and to some lesser extent, members of the Alliance.

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Records indicate that the worgen, a race of lupine humanoids, existed for a time in [[Kalimdor]]. Other evidence also suggested that the Worgen were from a different world, that came through portals by Archmage Argual. In fact, more recent evidence suggested that their true origin might have a connection to the [[Night elf|night elves]] and a secretive [[druid]]ic order from Kalimdor's distant past. This proved to be correct as the curse originated from a [[Druid|druidic]] sect who followed [[Goldrinn]], known as Druids of the Pack. They shapeshifted into the feral worgen and eventually lost their minds to its violent nature. The other Druids agreed that they must be locked away, and thus put them into eternal slumber deep beneath a tree... until the day [[Arugal]] and [[Velinde Starsong]] tampered with the [[Scythe of Elune]]. It was the night elves, after all, who created the curse in the first place. Obliged to help their newfound allies, they re-introduce them to the [[Alliance]].

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Records indicate that the worgen, a race of lupine humanoids, existed for a time in [[Kalimdor]]. Other evidence also suggested that the Worgen were from a different world, that came through portals by Archmage Arugal. In fact, more recent evidence suggested that their true origin might have a connection to the [[Night elf|night elves]] and a secretive [[druid]]ic order from Kalimdor's distant past. This proved to be correct as the curse originated from a [[Druids of the Scythe|druidic sect]] who followed [[Goldrinn]], known as Druids of the Pack. They shapeshifted into the feral worgen and eventually lost their minds to its violent nature. The other Druids agreed that they must be locked away, and thus put them into eternal slumber deep beneath a tree... until the day [[Arugal]] and [[Velinde Starsong]] tampered with the [[Scythe of Elune]]. It was the night elves, after all, who created the curse in the first place. Obliged to help their newfound allies, they re-introduced them to the [[Alliance]].

The worgen's first verified appearance in the [[Eastern Kingdoms]] has been traced back to the [[Third War]], when the [[archmage Arugal]] utilized the wolf-beasts as a weapon against the [[Scourge]]. Arugal's weapons soon turned against him, however, as the curse of the worgen rapidly spread among the [[human]] population, transforming ordinary men and women into ravenous, feral creatures.

The worgen's first verified appearance in the [[Eastern Kingdoms]] has been traced back to the [[Third War]], when the [[archmage Arugal]] utilized the wolf-beasts as a weapon against the [[Scourge]]. Arugal's weapons soon turned against him, however, as the curse of the worgen rapidly spread among the [[human]] population, transforming ordinary men and women into ravenous, feral creatures.

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Arugal adopted many of the worgen as his own and retreated to the former mansion of [[Baron Silverlaine]], the estate now known as [[Shadowfang Keep]]. The curse, however, was not contained. It persisted in the lands of [[Silverpine Forest|Silverpine]] and extended even into the fabled walled nation of [[Gilneas]], where the curse rapidly reached pandemic levels.

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Arugal adopted many of the worgen as his own and retreated to the former mansion of [[Baron Silverlaine]], the estate now known as [[Shadowfang Keep]]. The curse, however, was not contained. It persisted in the lands of [[Silverpine Forest|Silverpine]] and extended even into the walled nation of [[Gilneas]], where the curse rapidly reached pandemic levels.

The citizens of Gilneas found themselves trapped, with no hope of escape. They retreated deeper within the isolated domain, and there they survived, fearful of the savage presence that lurked just outside the barricades.

The citizens of Gilneas found themselves trapped, with no hope of escape. They retreated deeper within the isolated domain, and there they survived, fearful of the savage presence that lurked just outside the barricades.

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Recently the [[Greymane Wall]] was shattered by the [[Cataclysm]]. Setting their sights on the now-vulnerable country of Gilneas, the vile [[Forsaken]] have started an invasion of the kingdom. In their hour of greatest need, the worgen of [[Gilneas]] called out for their old allies' aid. The Gilneans are now back in the [[Alliance]], and with their new allies by their side they aren't giving up their home without a fight.

Recently the [[Greymane Wall]] was shattered by the [[Cataclysm]]. Setting their sights on the now-vulnerable country of Gilneas, the vile [[Forsaken]] have started an invasion of the kingdom. In their hour of greatest need, the worgen of [[Gilneas]] called out for their old allies' aid. The Gilneans are now back in the [[Alliance]], and with their new allies by their side they aren't giving up their home without a fight.

|Drop to all fours to run as fast as a wild animal. Provides a speed increase equivalent to a ground mount.

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|}

== Lore reasons for classes ==

== Lore reasons for classes ==

=== Druid ===

=== Druid ===

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It is unclearhowthe Gilneanscame to possesstheirdruidicpowers.Somebelievethat the nightelvestaughtthem,yetthismusthavebeenbeforethe[[GreymaneWall]]wassealed,as the GilneandruidswereinstrumentalinsavingtheirpopulationduringafamineaftertheWallwasclosedandbefore the nightelvesarrivedduringthe[[Cataclysm]].

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There is sufficientproofandreason to believethatthepracticesofprimitive[[druid]]ismor "the oldways"wereoncealiveandwellwithinoraroundGilneansocietybeforethesealingof the Wall.ItislikelythatthatthepeopleofGilneaswouldhaveoncepracticedoracknowledged(invarying degrees) the traditionsandreverencesofnatureworship.

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There is sufficient proof and reason to believe that the practices of primitive [[druid]]ism or "the old ways" were once alive and well within or around Gilnean society before the sealing of the Wall. It is likely that that the people of Gilneas would have once practiced or acknowledged (in varying degrees) the traditions and reverences of nature worship.

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Intimethough (before the [[Greymane Wall]] was erected) the followers of the [[Holy Light]] must have spread their teachings to Gilneas and succeeded in converting many of its people, causing druidism to slowly fade into the past and become mostly forgotten.

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However,intime (before the [[Greymane Wall]] was erected) the followers of the [[Holy Light]] must have spread their teachings to Gilneas and succeeded in converting many of its people, causing many citizens to shun the teachings of druidism. Because of this druidism began to slowly fade into the past and become mostly forgotten.

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When starting a Worgen Druid the {{quest|A Rejuvenating Touch|quest text}} from {{NPC||Celestine of the Harvest}} does seem to support these assumptions. During [[Hallow's End]] the Faction Commoners and Celestine of the Harvest also have {{quest|A Season for Celebration|quest text}} supporting these assumptions, connecting Gilneas, druidism, and the traditions of Hallow's End.

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When starting a Worgen druid the {{quest|A Rejuvenating Touch|quest text}} from {{NPC||Celestine of the Harvest}} does seem to support these assumptions. During [[Hallow's End]], the Faction Commoners and Celestine of the Harvest also have {{quest|A Season for Celebration|quest text}} supporting these assumptions, connecting Gilneas, druidism, and the traditions of Hallow's End.

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That said, the Night Elves have taken great interest in the Worgen and are readily teaching them more about druidism, helping them to understand other areas of the path. It seems that this is the kaldorei's attempt at redemption in the eyes of their allies as they are partially responsible for the Worgen curse reaching them...They feel they owe it to the Worgen to explain and teach the magic that can lead to their salvation, druidism.

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That said, the Night Elves have taken great interest in the Worgen and are readily teaching them more about druidism, helping them to understand other areas of the path. It seems that this is the Kaldorei's attempt at redemption in the eyes of their allies as they are partially responsible for the Worgen curse reaching them;they feel they owe it to the Worgen to explain and teach the magic, druidism, that can lead to their salvation.

=== Mage, warlock, priest, rogue, warrior and hunter ===

=== Mage, warlock, priest, rogue, warrior and hunter ===

The worgen have retained the skills they had as human citizens and choose to continue using them after their transformation.

The worgen have retained the skills they had as human citizens and choose to continue using them after their transformation.

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=== Death knights ===

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=== Death Knight ===

Worgen death knights are former slaves of [[Arugal]]. These former Gilnean citizens of Pyrewood Village managed to escape the wizard's control only to fall prey to [[The Lich King]]. During the Death Knight starting quests, you learn how Worgen death knights came to be.

Worgen death knights are former slaves of [[Arugal]]. These former Gilnean citizens of Pyrewood Village managed to escape the wizard's control only to fall prey to [[The Lich King]]. During the Death Knight starting quests, you learn how Worgen death knights came to be.

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:{{text|say|Lord Harford|There... There's no more time for me. I'm done for. Finish me off, <name>. Do it or they'll kill us both. <Name>... Remember [[Gilneas]], our beloved home. This world is worth saving.}}

:{{text|say|Lord Harford|There... There's no more time for me. I'm done for. Finish me off, <name>. Do it or they'll kill us both. <Name>... Remember [[Gilneas]], our beloved home. This world is worth saving.}}

|Drop to all fours to run as fast as a wild animal. Provides a speed increase equivalent to a ground mount.||

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== Quotes ==

== Quotes ==

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== Roleplaying a worgen ==

== Roleplaying a worgen ==

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The playable worgen are Gilneans. The speech should be pretty easy, as the people of Gilneas speak with a British accent and utilize similar phrases, such as "Get gabbing or get going." Some few (like {{NPC||Lieutenant "Foxy" Topper}}) also use [[wikipedia:Cockney|Cockey]] dialect and slang. Worgen speech is the same in either form, though the worgen form has the addition of growls, howls, sniffs, barks, etc; it is important to know when to use these, as the vocalizations should follow a smooth presentation, rather than suddenly howling in another's face.

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The playable worgen are Gilneans. The speech should be pretty easy, as the people of Gilneas speak with a British accent and utilize similar phrases, such as "Get gabbing or get going." Some few (like {{NPC||Lieutenant "Foxy" Topper}}) also use [[wikipedia:Cockney|Cockney]] dialect and slang. Worgen speech is the same in either form, though the worgen form has the addition of growls, howls, sniffs, barks, etc; it is important to know when to use these, as the vocalizations should follow a smooth presentation, rather than suddenly howling in another's face.

*Despite not gaining the {{ability|Two Forms}} ability until the completion of the {{questlong|Alliance|9|Neither Human Nor Beast}} quest, Worgen players were, for a time,{{fact|When specifically?}} able to change between Human and Worgen forms by typing '<tt>/transform</tt>' into the chat entry in the form of an emote.

*Despite not gaining the {{ability|Two Forms}} ability until the completion of the {{questlong|Alliance|9|Neither Human Nor Beast}} quest, Worgen players were, for a time,{{fact|When specifically?}} able to change between Human and Worgen forms by typing '<tt>/transform</tt>' into the chat entry in the form of an emote.

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*For the time being, [[Starter Edition]] accounts (unfortunately) cannot play as the Worgen.

== Trivia ==

== Trivia ==

*Prior to the worgen's introduction, night elves were the only Alliance race shown to do flips when jumping.

*Prior to the worgen's introduction, night elves were the only Alliance race shown to do flips when jumping.

*The female worgen dance is Lady Gaga's Pokerface. The male's is the dance from My Love by Justin Timberlake.

*The female worgen dance is Lady Gaga's Pokerface. The male's is the dance from My Love by Justin Timberlake.

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*Worgen are the only race that produce the proper sound effects when you use the '<tt>/sniff</tt>' emote.

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*Worgen are the only race that produce the proper sound effects when you use the '<tt>/sniff</tt>' emote. They are also the only race to perform an animation and actually roar when prompted by the '/roar' emote, where as other races except pandaren will do nothing.

*TheWorgenweresupposedto have unique mounts, however they failed to be finalized during development. and were instead given the "RunningWild"racialability.Theyhavethisunexpectedchangeinmountdesignincommon with the Tauren, whowere originally going to have a similar ability called "Plainsrunning" in place of amountbeforebeinggivenKodos.

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*Thereisan irony between the worgen andtaurenraceswhenitcomes to the developmentoftheirmounts. Taurenwerenotintendedtohavemountsoriginally,andwereinstead supposed to be given the"[[Plainsrunning]]"abilitywhichwouldallowthemtorunatmountedspeed.Theywereeventuallygiven kodos as mounts. Worgenweresupposedtohaveamount,howeveritsdesignfailedto be finalized during the latestagesofdevelopmentpriortoreleaseandwas removed, and in itsplaceworgenwere given the RunningWildability,whichisverysimilar to what the Plainsrunningability was intended to be.

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**Blizzardannouncedthat worgen horsemountswouldeventuallybeadded to the gamein[[Patch4.3]],<ref>{{refweb|work=OfficialWorldofWarcraftCommunitysite(US)|url=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/3401307|title=Comingin4.3:GilneasReputationMounts|author=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=1-Sep-20118:59AMPDT}}<br/>&nbsp;&nbsp;{{refweb|work=OfficialWorldofWarcraftCommunitysite(EU)|url=http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/blog/2884838|title=Comingin4.3:GilneasReputationMounts|author=[[Kaivax]]|date=01-Sep-201116:00UTC}}</ref>butplayerswerelargelydisappointedthat the modelswerenotdistinctivefromnormalhumanhorsemounts in almostanywayand the largeworgencharactermodelslooksillyon the ill-sizedhorses.

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**Blizzardannouncedthatworgenhorse mounts would eventually be added to the game in [[Patch4.3]],<ref>{{refweb|work=OfficialWorldofWarcraftCommunitysite(US)|url=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/3401307|title=Comingin4.3:Gilneas Reputation Mounts|author=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=1-Sep-2011 8:59 AM PDT}}<br/>&nbsp; &nbsp;{{ref web|work=Official World of Warcraft Community site (EU)|url=http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/blog/2884838|title=Coming in 4.3:GilneasReputationMounts|author=[[Kaivax]]|date=01-Sep-201116:00UTC}}</ref> but players were largely disappointed that the models were not distinctive from normal human horse mounts in almost any way and the large worgencharactermodelslooksillyon the ill-sizedhorses.

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*TheForsakenfleet'sdestructionby the Cataclysm in theWorgenstartingzonemighthavebeeninspiredbytheMongolinvasion of Japan in 1271,wheretheoutnumberedandinexperienceddefenders were savedwhenastormunexpectedlydestroyed the enemyfleet.

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*The Forsakenfleet'sdestruction by the Cataclysmin the worgen starting zone might have beeninspiredbythe Mongol invasion of Japan in 1271 to 1281,duringwhichthe majority of the Mongol'sinvading force were destroyed when an unexpected storm decimated the fleet of ships carrying them, along with most of their supplies, saving the Japanese, who were both inexperienced andoutnumbered.

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*The humanformsof the playableWorgen have uniquehurt/attacknoisescompared to normalhumans.Whichis the sameas the Gilneanones.

This article is about the playable worgen and the Gilneas faction. For general history of the race, see worgen.

“

Behind the formidable Greymane Wall, a terrible curse has spread throughout the isolated human nation of Gilneas, transforming many of its stalwart citizens into nightmarish beasts known as worgen. The origins of this curse have been fiercely debated, but only recently has the startling truth come to light.

Contents

The name worgen inspires fear to the hearts and minds of the Horde and to some lesser extent, members of the Alliance.

Records indicate that the worgen, a race of lupine humanoids, existed for a time in Kalimdor. Other evidence also suggested that the Worgen were from a different world, that came through portals by Archmage Arugal. In fact, more recent evidence suggested that their true origin might have a connection to the night elves and a secretive druidic order from Kalimdor's distant past. This proved to be correct as the curse originated from a druidic sect who followed Goldrinn, known as Druids of the Pack. They shapeshifted into the feral worgen and eventually lost their minds to its violent nature. The other Druids agreed that they must be locked away, and thus put them into eternal slumber deep beneath a tree... until the day Arugal and Velinde Starsong tampered with the Scythe of Elune. It was the night elves, after all, who created the curse in the first place. Obliged to help their newfound allies, they re-introduced them to the Alliance.

The worgen's first verified appearance in the Eastern Kingdoms has been traced back to the Third War, when the archmage Arugal utilized the wolf-beasts as a weapon against the Scourge. Arugal's weapons soon turned against him, however, as the curse of the worgen rapidly spread among the human population, transforming ordinary men and women into ravenous, feral creatures.

Arugal adopted many of the worgen as his own and retreated to the former mansion of Baron Silverlaine, the estate now known as Shadowfang Keep. The curse, however, was not contained. It persisted in the lands of Silverpine and extended even into the walled nation of Gilneas, where the curse rapidly reached pandemic levels.

The citizens of Gilneas found themselves trapped, with no hope of escape. They retreated deeper within the isolated domain, and there they survived, fearful of the savage presence that lurked just outside the barricades.

Tensions among the displaced citizens escalated over time, resulting in a civil war that now threatens to destabilize the embattled nation even more.

There are those among the Gilneans, however, who cling to hope. Many believe that a cure for the worgen curse may exist, although others have nearly given up, fearful that if the barricades should fall, their humanity will be lost forever.[1]

Recently the Greymane Wall was shattered by the Cataclysm. Setting their sights on the now-vulnerable country of Gilneas, the vile Forsaken have started an invasion of the kingdom. In their hour of greatest need, the worgen of Gilneas called out for their old allies' aid. The Gilneans are now back in the Alliance, and with their new allies by their side they aren't giving up their home without a fight.

Led by their indomitable King Genn Greymane, the proud citizens of Gilneas once stood with the Alliance against the vile orcish Horde that sought to conquer all of Lordaeron. Gilneas survived, but in the chaotic years following the Second War, the mighty kingdom drew ever inward distrustful of their former allies, the Gilneans erected a mighty wall at the borders of their land closing off their nation and their hearts from an ever-darkening world.

Now, many years later as the seemingly unstoppable undead Scourge marches across Lordaeron, human civilization teeters on the brink of destruction as war and terror close in all around them. The citizens of Gilneas are faced with one terrible truth, their mighty wall cannot hold back the dead for much longer and worse, rumors of a new threat have arisen within the kingdom's borders, feral nightmare creatures that walk upright as men, but hunt and howl as wolves.

There is sufficient proof and reason to believe that the practices of primitive druidism or "the old ways" were once alive and well within or around Gilnean society before the sealing of the Wall. It is likely that that the people of Gilneas would have once practiced or acknowledged (in varying degrees) the traditions and reverences of nature worship.

However, in time (before the Greymane Wall was erected) the followers of the Holy Light must have spread their teachings to Gilneas and succeeded in converting many of its people, causing many citizens to shun the teachings of druidism. Because of this druidism began to slowly fade into the past and become mostly forgotten.

When starting a Worgen druid the quest text from Celestine of the Harvest does seem to support these assumptions. During Hallow's End, the Faction Commoners and Celestine of the Harvest also have quest text supporting these assumptions, connecting Gilneas, druidism, and the traditions of Hallow's End.

That said, the Night Elves have taken great interest in the Worgen and are readily teaching them more about druidism, helping them to understand other areas of the path. It seems that this is the Kaldorei's attempt at redemption in the eyes of their allies as they are partially responsible for the Worgen curse reaching them; they feel they owe it to the Worgen to explain and teach the magic, druidism, that can lead to their salvation.

Worgen death knights are former slaves of Arugal. These former Gilnean citizens of Pyrewood Village managed to escape the wizard's control only to fall prey to The Lich King. During the Death Knight starting quests, you learn how Worgen death knights came to be.

When you start a worgen Death Knight, you start with their racial abilities, including [Two Forms].

Lord Harford says says: You don't remember me? We were both servants of Arugal back in Silverpine Forest. We put up with his merciless torture for ages. It was you who saved me on that fateful night when we escaped Shadowfang Keep.

Lord Harford says: Without you I would have died. YOU! The most noble worgen I ever knew.

Lord Harford says: What have they done to you, <name>? How could this have happened?

Lord Harford says: Remember the worgen you once were, <brother/sister>! You were our savior! Fight this!

Lord Harford says: Listen to me <name>. You must fight against the Lich King's control. He is a monster that wants to see this world - our world - in ruin.

Lord Harford says: Don't let him use you to accomplish his goals. You were once a hero and you can be again.

The playable worgen are Gilneans. The speech should be pretty easy, as the people of Gilneas speak with a British accent and utilize similar phrases, such as "Get gabbing or get going." Some few (like Lieutenant "Foxy" Topper) also use Cockney dialect and slang. Worgen speech is the same in either form, though the worgen form has the addition of growls, howls, sniffs, barks, etc; it is important to know when to use these, as the vocalizations should follow a smooth presentation, rather than suddenly howling in another's face.

Despite not gaining the [Two Forms] ability until the completion of the [9] Neither Human Nor Beast quest, Worgen players were, for a time,[citation needed] able to change between Human and Worgen forms by typing '/transform' into the chat entry in the form of an emote.

Prior to the worgen's introduction, night elves were the only Alliance race shown to do flips when jumping.

The female worgen dance is Lady Gaga's Pokerface. The male's is the dance from My Love by Justin Timberlake.

Worgen are the only race that produce the proper sound effects when you use the '/sniff' emote. They are also the only race to perform an animation and actually roar when prompted by the '/roar' emote, where as other races except pandaren will do nothing.

The Worgen were supposed to have unique mounts, however they failed to be finalized during development. and were instead given the "Running Wild" racial ability. They have this unexpected change in mount design in common with the Tauren, who were originally going to have a similar ability called "Plainsrunning" in place of a mount before being given Kodos.

Blizzard announced that worgen horse mounts would eventually be added to the game in Patch 4.3,[3] but players were largely disappointed that the models were not distinctive from normal human horse mounts in almost any way and the large worgen character models look silly on the ill-sized horses.

The Forsaken fleet's destruction by the Cataclysm in the Worgen starting zone might have been inspired by the Mongol invasion of Japan in 1271, where the outnumbered and inexperienced defenders were saved when a storm unexpectedly destroyed the enemy fleet.

The human forms of the playable Worgen have unique hurt/attack noises compared to normal humans. Which is the same as the Gilnean ones.